January 5, 2026
Quick Answer: Clothes cannot go in Rockland Green recycling bins. Used clothing can go in the trash, but it may be better to donate wearable items to local charities and thrift stores, sell them at garage sales, and use textile recycling bins for damaged items.
What You Need to Know About Textile Recycling in Rockland County
According to a December 2024 GAO report, Americans generate 17 million tons of textile waste annually. That's approximately 112 pounds per person. With the holiday season bringing closet cleanouts, donations, and new wardrobes, understanding where to recycle clothes in Rockland County becomes essential for reducing landfill waste.
Can You Put Clothes in Recycling Bins? No.
Textiles do NOT belong in Rockland Green recycling bins. The Materials Recovery Facility processes only:
- Paper products
- Cardboard
- Plastic bottles and containers
- Metal cans
- Glass bottles
Why textiles contaminate recycling: Clothing damages sorting equipment and must be removed by hand, slowing the entire recycling process at the facility.
Where to Donate Clothes in Rockland County
Best Donation Options Near You:
Thrift stores accepting donations:
Search online for other options to donate clothes.
What to donate:
- Clean, gently used clothing
- Shoes in good condition
- Bedding, towels, and linens
- Accessories (belts, purses, hats)
- Winter coats (especially needed during the holiday season)
Free pickup services in Rockland County:
- Pickup Please (Vietnam Veterans of America)
- Purple Heart Pickup
- Salvation Army home pickup
Textile Recycling Options for Damaged Clothing
Can you recycle torn or stained clothes? Yes.
Textile recycling bins: Look for donation bins in parking lots throughout Rockland County.
What happens to recycled textiles:
- Converted into industrial rags
- Shredded for furniture stuffing
- Processed into insulation materials
- Remanufactured into new fabrics
- Repurposed at animal shelters
FAQs: Clothes Recycling in Rockland County
Q: Where can I recycle clothes and textiles near me in Rockland County? A: Use textile donation bins and thrift stores. Do not place clothes in curbside recycling bins.
Q: Can I recycle clothes with stains or holes? A: Yes. Textile recycling bins accept items in various conditions. They're processed into other products rather than resold.
Q: Where do donated clothes go? A: Wearable items are resold in thrift stores. Unwearable textiles can become rags, stuffing, or insulation.
Holiday Season Clothing Management
Winter cleanouts create opportunities for sustainable clothing disposal in Rockland County:
Before buying new:
- Donate outgrown clothing
- Clear space responsibly
- Schedule pickup services
After the holidays:
- Recycle gift packaging (cardboard only)
- Donate unwanted clothing gifts
- Avoid placing textiles in recycling bins
Best Practices for Textile Waste Reduction
Buy quality over quantity: Well-made items last longer than fast fashion.
Repair and maintain: Fix minor damage instead of discarding.
Shop secondhand first: Rockland County thrift stores offer excellent selections.
Host clothing swaps: Exchange items with friends and neighbors.
Use textile bins correctly: Place all fabric items in designated textile recycling bins, not curbside recycling.
Take Action Today
Whether you're clearing closets this holiday season or disposing of worn-out items year-round, textile recycling in Rockland County starts with one simple choice – keeping fabric out of your blue and green bins. For more information about proper waste disposal in Rockland County, visit rocklandgreen.com or call (845) 753-2200.